Chapter 1: Forgotten Empire

Lootbox sat exhausted on a piece of stray masonry, having burned most of his strength clearing rubble away all afternoon. One could see the weariness in his form by how poorly he held shape, looking significantly less solid and more melty than usual. There was no frown on his face, however, nor visible anger. There sat a look of satisfaction from taking what seemed to be an uncontrollable situation and leaving a visible mark as proof that it could be changed.

Given their dire straights, the cleared stairwell may as well been a rallying flag.

"Food shouldn't be an issue. These swamp creatures are feeding themselves well enough. We can either tap into their food sources, or into the animals themselves if need be." Salt water fishing might be a good option, as was digging for clams. They were bound to find quite a few while setting in foundations, whenever they got around to building up a town. "That being said, if we want to stop doing the grunt work ourselves we'll need to gather a force of minions. I suggest we do this in two fronts."

"One front gathers viable slave laborers from the swamp's creatures. Anything humanoid and communicable will do. On our other front, we light a bonfire in the castle's keep to attract sailors to its light. We can win them over through a show of divinity, as only a fool would refuse the orders of the gods."

The mimic grinned at this statement; he always wanted to be a Pirate King. Land banditry was more stable for income, but sea banditry came with more style and flare. Of course, there was but a single snag in winning hearts over with a show of godly might. "...assuming we three can figure out HOW those powers work. You're in that boat with us too, right Kingsy? I don't think the Time Witch would be so interested in ruining your day otherwise."

"In my younger years I beseeched a god of dreams to bring me inspiration and good fortune for my lands. What came instead was its counterpart, a being of pure nightmares. This land was nice once. Vibrant. As you can see, I can't have nice things." Yosei gestured to his skeletal body.

"As to workers, if you are looking for handed Pokemon, Illusio or Pugilis would be a better bet. Maybe Yaksha if you are fortunate, but they have ever kept close eye on their borders.". Yosei offered.

The Croagunk gestured to Yosei. "If you want a palace built out of mud, I know a guy, but here in the swamp we aren't really social types. Good way to get eaten."

Lootbox raised an eye at Iwakashi's vanguard as it spoke, the frog suddenly catching his attention. Had it been capable of common speech the entire time?

This was an interesting prospect! The mimic moved to take a more in-depth investigation of the creature, his own body contorting and shifting to match it as he did so. Three fingers, full dexterity in joint movement. Legs flexible, good for swimming. Skin sleek, waterproof; could work in the murk with no issue. Strength was... lacking. Looked good in every other area, including the food department if the non-sharp teeth indicated a diet without meats.

"We could probably make due with a couple of these for now." Lootbox croaked, having fully matched the Croagunk's looks. One could hardly tell them apart if not for the cloak and armor that shrunk down with his form. "Outsourcing for specialized labor is a good idea, but these frog things should work for general purposes. Fishing, draining water, general tool use. Home-turf advantages in a tussle. We're looking at the ideal sort of dock hand!"

"Fair enough I suppose." Lootbox shrugged. He wouldn't mind checking what state the world was in. "It's not like the frogs are going anywhere. Maybe finding them would be easier with a few extra Mind Power Users under our belt."

"Illusio is to the north and west of here. To reach it, you will have to cross the entirety of Cragspur, that would be the fastest route. The terrain is hard travelled and may be taxing on what little supplies you have left. Terrera is not much better, being mostly hard packed dirt and scrublands. A border crossing through Yaksha, and into Avia, heading east then North would be the easiest route. Plenty of opportunity to scrounge or forage while progressing towards your destinations." Yosei offered, staring out the raggedly hanging doors.

"It may be that my people would be able to aid us if we travel through Cragspur," Iwakashi supplies, "Perhaps some among them might remember me and supply help readily. It will be hard going but I walked the paths often enough that it shouldn't be an issue." He taps his maul upon the ground a couple times, lost in thought, "It is possible some warlord has risen up in my absence. That would make the path much more perilous. It is a risk but I almost feel that time will not be on our side once we make ourselves known."

"Then we should probably head off come first light," Crimson says. "While I personally do not mind the darkness, it would probably be better to have a good rest before heading out. And perhaps the eyes of others here are not so accustomed to little light. I know that needed to be considered when dealing with humans. Is that agreeable, or does somebody else have a differing plan?"

"I didn't become a king of thieves to be friends with hunger." Food would surely be easier to find once they crossed provinces. "If morning is the plan, then I'll take my leave. You may find me in my... err... OUR chambers."

Note to self: have the minions construct a separate room in the dungeon somewhere.

"I believe that we are heading for Yaksha," Crimson chitters, "for I do not fancy myself much a swimmer. Solid ground beneath our feet would make the journey much more bearable, and with less chance of accidentally sinking." She glances at Iwakashi as she says the last bit. "And, much as I would prefer to quarter myself in my hive once more... I believe that there is something about this place. So, I will endeavour to bring workers back here. It is why we are leaving in the first place."